Assess child growth

and development
ECE 3

I objectively document childrens

behavior
Document Childrens Behavior
Observation is really the ultimate tool in
childcare. Its an excellent way to track
childrens progress, measure their growth and
development, and it is essential in every
childcare program. By observation we can
learn their interests and preferences and their
levels of cognitive and social development,
their strategies for creating desired effects,
and their skills and accomplishments, and last
but not least their personalities and
temperaments. Each of these objectives for
observing is relevant if we desire to learn
about children and thus improve the quality of
our teaching.
Observation is going to always be followed by

I analyze childrens development

Children exhibit a range of skills and competencies within any domain of
development. I analyze the childrens development by referring to Wisconsin Model
Early Learning Standards for optimal learning experiences that can be adapted for
individual developmental patterns. The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
reflect the belief that children should be provided with opportunities to explore and
apply new skills through child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities, and through
interactions with peers, adults and materials. Teachers and families can best guide
learning by providing these opportunities in natural, authentic contexts. Positive
relationships help children gain the benefits of instructional experiences and
resources.

I use assessment responsibility to positively

influence childrens development and learning
There are many reasons why I use assessments; among these is the desire to know how well children are
learning, if they are making progress and meeting proficiency benchmarks, and if they are being taught
effectively. Data from assessments provide valuable information for planning whole-group and individualized
instruction, for determining program quality, and for communicating with others. One child assessments,
standardized assessments, portfolios, rating scales, and observation. Comprehensive assessment is based
on information from multiple sources, including measures that provide different types of information.
By setting appropriate expectations for young children in the five domains of early learning and
development, the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards set the stage for the development of
appropriate curriculum and the use of assessment practices that support and promote childrens learning
and development. Assessment practices are a component of program standards. Appropriate assessment
practices for young children take into account the following considerations:
Young children learn in ways and at rates different from older children
Young children come to know things through doing as well as through listening and often represent their knowledge better
by showing than by telling.
Young childrens development and learning is rapid, uneven, and episodic, so that point-in time assessments do not give a
complete picture of their learning.
Young childrens achievements are the result of a complex mix of their ability to learn and their past learning opportunities,
Resources on appropriate assessment practices for young children are listed in the resource section.